How Same-Day Crown Technology Works
CEREC (Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics) represents one of dentistry’s most significant technological advances. This sophisticated system combines digital imaging, computer-aided design, and precision milling to create high-quality ceramic crowns right in our office.
The process starts with digital impressions. We use a small camera to capture detailed 3D images of your prepared tooth and surrounding teeth. This digital scanning is quick, comfortable, and far more pleasant than traditional impression putty, which can cause some patients to gag. The images appear on a computer screen within seconds.
Using specialized software, we design your crown digitally. We shape it to match your natural tooth contours, ensure proper bite alignment, and adjust the fit to perfection. You can actually watch your crown being designed on the monitor, which many patients find fascinating.
Once the design is complete, the information transfers to an in-office milling machine. This computerized milling machine carves your crown from a solid block of dental ceramic in approximately 10 to 15 minutes. The precision of the milling process creates restorations that fit beautifully and look incredibly natural.
After milling, we polish and finish your crown before bonding it permanently to your tooth. The entire process—from preparation to final placement—typically takes 90 minutes to two hours. You arrive with a damaged tooth and leave with a fully restored, permanent crown.
When You Need a Crown
Same-day crowns address several common dental problems that require substantial tooth restoration.
Large cavities that compromise too much tooth structure need crowns rather than fillings. When decay affects more than half of your tooth, a filling won’t provide adequate strength. The crown caps the entire visible portion of your tooth, protecting what remains and restoring full function.
Cracked or broken teeth benefit tremendously from crown coverage. Whether you bit down on something hard or suffered an injury, cracks weaken teeth and allow bacteria to enter. A crown holds everything together and prevents further damage.
In most cases, teeth that have undergone root canal treatment require crowns. The root canal process removes the tooth’s internal blood supply, which makes the tooth more brittle over time. A crown protects the tooth from fracturing and can last for decades with proper care.
Severely worn teeth, resulting from grinding or acid erosion, require crowns to restore their proper shape and height. When teeth wear down significantly, your bite changes, and your jaw joints may suffer. Crowns rebuild the lost tooth structure and reestablish correct jaw alignment.
Advantages of Getting Your Crown the Same Day
The convenience factor alone makes same-day crowns appealing, but the benefits extend far beyond saving time.
Temporary crowns become unnecessary, which eliminates a major source of frustration. Traditional temporaries are made from plastic or acrylic, which is much weaker than your permanent crown. They break, come loose, and require dietary restrictions. Many patients tell us that the temporary crown phase caused more anxiety than the actual tooth preparation.
Your tooth sensitivity remains minimal because we place the permanent restoration immediately. With traditional crowns, teeth that have been prepared can feel sensitive to temperature changes during the waiting period. Same-day crowns protect your tooth right away, reducing discomfort.
The precision of digital technology often produces superior results. Computer-aided design eliminates human error in crown fabrication. The milling machine carves with accuracy measured in microns, creating restorations that fit precisely and require minimal adjustment.
You maintain continuity in your treatment since everything happens while you’re still numb from the initial anesthesia. There’s no need to get numb again for a second appointment, and the team doesn’t need to remove and clean the temporary crown before placing your permanent one.
What to Expect During Your Appointment
Your same-day crown appointment follows a straightforward process that ensures your comfort throughout.
After numbing the area, we prepare your tooth by removing decay and shaping it to accommodate the crown. This step is identical to traditional crown preparation. The digital scanning takes just a few minutes and feels completely comfortable—no gagging on impression material.
While the milling machine creates your crown, you can relax in the dental chair, watch television, or even step out to grab coffee if you prefer. Many patients appreciate having a break during the milling process.
Once your crown is ready, we check the fit, make any needed adjustments, and ensure your bite feels natural. We then bond the crown permanently using dental cement and a special curing light. The bonding creates an incredibly strong attachment that can last 15 years or longer with proper care.
Quality That Lasts
Some patients wonder if same-day crowns are as durable as lab-made crowns. The answer is yes—CEREC crowns are milled from solid blocks of dental ceramic that meet the same quality standards as traditional lab crowns. Studies show similar longevity rates for both types.
The materials used for same-day crowns resist staining and maintain their appearance for many years. Your crown won’t change color over time, though your natural teeth might darken with age. Regular professional cleanings keep everything looking its best.
If you eventually need restorative dentistry on other teeth, having CEREC technology available means we can handle multiple restorations efficiently without requiring numerous appointments spread over weeks.
Experience the Convenience
Why schedule multiple appointments when you can get your crown in one visit? Same-day crowns save you time, eliminate temporary crown hassles, and deliver beautiful, long-lasting results. Dr. Carol, Dr. Carolyn, and Dr. Roberto’s expertise with CEREC technology ensures your restoration fits perfectly and looks completely natural.
Check our specials and promotions for current offers on crown treatments, or learn how our in-house membership club makes quality dental care more affordable.
Contact us today to schedule your same-day crown appointment at Gentle Family Dentists in North Liberty, West Liberty, and Muscatine. Walk in with a damaged tooth and walk out with a permanent, beautiful restoration—all in a single visit.